Deseret News | Robert J. Matthews, key to LDS edition of Bible, dies

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Robert J. Matthews, key to LDS edition of Bible, dies

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California Steve | 1:43 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

Rest in peace Brother Matthews. I enjoyed your classes at BYU. I, as well as millions,have benefited from your work on the new versions of the scriptures.

Neal Kramer | 1:47 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

This is a sad day for scholars of the gospel. Robert Matthews was a hard-nosed researcher and careful teacher of gospel truth.

He will be missed, but his legacy certainly lives on. He truly changed the face of gospel scholarship.

Gloria Smith | 2:12 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

The world is a sadder place without Brother Matthews. He has inspired and helped millions. I count myself blessed to have known him as a teacher and Temple President. He blessed my life and my family's. I hope the memory of his kindness and love as well as the influence he has had on millions will carry his family through this sad time.
Love
Gloria Smith

Comments continue below

Jann | 2:41 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

Matthews really did contribute a lot to LDS scholarship. We al benefited from the fruits of his work.

no time for pettiness | 3:09 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

Not being LDS I have to confess to not knowing who Robert Matthews was before today but I agree with "tenor" ignore "Joe" he is not representative of those of us outside your faith. I am sorry for Matthews family and the LDS church's loss. RIP Mr Matthews.

Dave | 3:24 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

As one who had the good fortune of sitting in a classroom with him- a master teacher and one who passionately loved his topic has been lost- condolances to his family and gradtitude for his passion and willingness to share would seem the only fitting words here

I agree | 3:28 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

Brother Matthews was a great man who dedicated himself to advancing good works among men. Thanks and RIP.

Pure Soul | 3:33 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

What a great scholar and a great man.

He wore out his life in the service of the Lord.

Thank you for the example you set.

You will be missed.

Learned from him | 3:42 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

My condolences to the Matthews family. I was a student of his and was greatly blessed because of his knowledge and insight.

Z | 3:47 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

What a truly remarkable and great man. I got to interact with him just a little bit, and what impressed me was not simply his knowledge, but his genuine love and concern for others.

This man practiced what he believed in. He, of all people, would want everyone to be kind to "Joe" and return kindness rather than harshness.

Cynthia | 4:49 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

I have watched andlistened to his discussions with the professors on BYU channel for years. I've heard and purchased his talks. I have learned so much from this warm, kind and intelligent man. I feel as though I know him and I miss him.

Fredd | 4:56 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

Is there a site that list the differences in translation and their significance? A non judgementalm one?

Mac | 4:58 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

Thank you Bob for your unequaled contribution to bringing out of obscurity the JST. When the Saints came west, Orson Pratt was teaching from a copy of the JST, but President Brigham Young said not to because the Church didn't have access to the original manuscript which remained with Emma. Looking back, this was an inspired move by Pres. Young because when it comes to missionary work, using the KJV of the Bible was far more effective since most other Christians were using it. The last thing the Church needed to do at that time was to introduce a "new" Bible along with the Book of Mormon. When the time was right, the Lord raised up Bob Matthews to rebuild trust with the Community of Christ Church (then the Reorganized Church) allowing him and others access to the original JST manuscript. Eventually this paved the way for the 1979 LDS edition of the Bible which brings the KJV and the JST so masterfully together. Thank you Bob for following the Lord's plan for you. It has truly benefitted all of us. We'll see you on the other side! May the Lord comfort your family!

Travis | 5:05 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

I took a class on the JST from him at BYU. I also have sat in on other lectures and classes he has given. I gained insights into the scriptures from him that have lasted long past the classroom. I also remember his kind demeanor and genuine desire to help students.

I was sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and colleagues.

DCR | 5:20 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

We had the privilege of traveling through Italy, Egypt, Israel, Turkey and Greece with Brother Matthews in October 1982. His lectures were chalk full of facts and data but the key to his profound teaching ability was his ability to infuse his lessons with the Holy Spirit. I'll miss him. We'll all miss him. Thank you Brother Matthews for your example and your friendship. Rest in Peace.

Craig | 5:39 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

I think Joe asked a very good and relevant question. I suppose there are many with the same question. I don't think this forum is the best place to answer it but I would invite any who are truly curious as to why the LDS people believe such a thing to visit a nearby church and ask. It seems to me that Brother Matthews dedicated a good portion of his life to trying to answer Joe's question.

Gary | 6:07 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

What a good man, we will miss him! Thanks for all the good things you did in your lifetime. We are very grateful to you!

Thank you | 6:40 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

I knew President Matthews from Mt. Timpanogos. He was very kind and to me exemplified the true meaning of the term "Christian."

God speed and may He comfort your family.

jph1223 | 6:45 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

I thought Brother Matthew's book A Plainer Translation was a high point in quality LDS scholarship. I did not have the chance to ever meet him nor take classes from him, but his scholarship left an impact on me. My condolences and best wishes to his family and loved ones.

Aneta | 6:52 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

Bishop Matthews was my freshman bishop at BYU. He was wise, kind, funny and a friend to our ward. I'll miss him.

Gary Johnson | 7:16 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

I had the opportunity to learn the gospel from Brother Matthews as a high school seminary student in the 1960's in Soda Springs, Idaho. The entire community was better for the time that he spent there teaching. He gave me a solid base for gospel understanding that I have carried with me throughout my life. Brother Matthews was just then beginning his long career as a teacher that later found him at BYU where he raised the scholarship of all who new him. I continued my relationship with him once I also attended BYU for four years. I travelled to BYU Education Week this year specifically to sit in on his classes once more. I learned at the Conference that Brother Matthews was ill and would not be teaching. I always knew that this day would come when we would lose him, but while he was here he blessed us immeasurably with the depth of the gospel that he taught.

my respects | 7:27 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

I left 'the church' half my life ago, but in retrospect the closest I felt to the 'gospel' was when I had just gained the aaronic P. and my folks gave me this man's 'translation' of the bible which nicely tied into the other 'mormon books'. He enlightened the scriptures to a new era for me, god bless ...

JAYEG | 7:32 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

Rest in the Lord, brother Bob.

John Pack Lambert | 7:40 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

To the 4:56 commentator,
You can easily get a copy of the LDS edition of the scriptures. These have MOST of the variations in the JST. There are some not included. I would say if you really want to learn what they are and what they do, that is the best place to start. Readig Dr. Matthews book on the matter would be good to.
I believe it is not that difficult to find a full length version of the Joseph Smith Translation, and then you could compare the variations not included, some of which are at least somewhat significant.
Amonst other issues Brother Matthews deals with what the intent of the JST was. He argues that it was a "plainer translation", meaning meant to be more understandable, and not neccesarily more true to the original text.

Tabb | 7:41 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

I had Bro. Matthews for New Testament while a student at BYU in 1978 and 1979. It was an evening Tu-TH class that lasted for an hour and a half. It was never long enough. He would put his brief case on the table, take out his scriptures,and teach the life of the Savior from the scriptures. I learned SO much and the Spirit was always so strong. You felt as if Bro. Mattews was a first hand witness to all that he taught regarding the life of the Savior. Some 25 years later I took my son to the MTC to begin his mission and arranged to visit with Bro Matthews and his lovely wife in their home. Though I had only been a student among thousands, he was as warm and gracious, as filled with the Spirit as I had remembered him from so many years earlier. I will forever be grateful that I randomly selected his class for New Testament. My love, understanding, and appreciation for the life of the Savior was forever changed. What a great blessing to have known and been taught by Bro. Matthews.

kathyn | 7:50 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

I never had the privilege of attending any of Bro. Matthews' classes, but I enjoyed watching his scriptural lessons on KBYU. He was a very intelligent and great man.

Anonymous | 8:05 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

A beautiful tribute to a marvelous man with a marvelous vision and accomplished life.

Shirley | 8:29 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

I have also attended classes that this good man taught. I was at education week and was so happy to attend another of his classes when I heard he was quite ill. And now to see that he has passed to the other side where I don't believe he will be resting but teaching and loving and serving others as he did here. I will Pray for his dear family. He was truly a good Christian.

Kathy Riordan | 10:11 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

Happy to see this wonderful man get the recognition he deserves. In addition to everything else Robert J. Matthews was in this life, he was a favorite uncle, one those of us who got to call him "Uncle Bob" treasured. Godspeed.

Least | 11:29 p.m. Aug. 31, 2009

A wonderful man and a top-notch scholar. His work was accessible to the non-scholar, yet also also satisfying to those who want to dig deeply into truth. He will certainly be missed by anyone who loves the truths of the Gospel.

viking | 2:48 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

Brother Matthews was a great man and scholar. He is certainly at peace now, but I doubt if he is "resting". Knowing what I do about him, he is getting answers to a lot of questions that he had before but had no access to original sources. Absorb all the knowledge in peace. I am happy for you but sad that your family will be unable to see you daily until they are called home also.

JST translation | 4:25 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

RIP Mr Matthews.
*****

I concur.

Watching BYU gospel discussions without his expert commentary will be missed.

He can now listen/ask Joseph,
Brigham, and the Savior,
doctrinal questions.

Chris and Kris | 4:59 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

You will be sorely missed by all who knew you, Brother Matthews. Thank you for all the knowledge you shared with us and the friendship you gave to our parents. The world has lost someone very special.

Mike | 7:59 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

I a great admiration from Brother Matthews when I took an independent study course on the New Testament from him in 1971, to finish my undergraduate religion requirement. He would respond personally to each written assignment I submitted. I felt I was the only student in his class and sensed his great spirit through his correspondence.

Fred | 8:21 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

Hugh Nibley, then Truman Madsen, now Robert Matthews. We are rapidly losing a generation of brilliant scholars whose work blessed us spiritually as well as academically. They were giants. I hope the younger scholars who succeed them are up to the task.

A Student | 8:42 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

I always wanted to graduate from BYU however I had an attitude about why I had to have religion credit to graduate. This attitude continued after my mission and I put off taking religion classes until my junior year.

I had a heavy schedule so to begin getting the needed credit I fit in a Pearl of Great Price night class (only 61 pages I thought). In walked an unassuming short bald man in a short sleeved white shirt. It was Robert J. Matthews. I had many questions not for faith but for light and knowledge. He put me on a road of gospel scholarship and he changed my life from that moment to now.

Many classes and many hours followed. He gave me a personal copy of A Plainer Translation at the first printing. I watch him work on the Bible Dictionary. He was my missionary who caused in me a deep and abiding testimony that I have subsequently shared in many settings.

I shall be eternally grateful for that experience and for BYU giving me a complete education! I will miss my teacher and mentor until we meet again.

Eve | 8:59 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

Well....you can manipulate words. And obviously, you can manipulate people. But you cannot manipulate God's will.

Don Ormsby | 8:59 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

Bob is a distant cousin. I remember as a child visiting his home when coming to Utah on vacation, and feeling that I was in the company of someone truly unique. He exemplified true Christianity, and the Spirit shined from him like the rays of the sun. When I eventually joined the LDS Church and attended BYU, I attended one of his classes and sat enthralled by his grasp of eternal principles. Just a humble man from Evanston, but a giant in the Lord's kingdom. Bob Matthews helped to change my life, and for me, that is the most important of the many wonderful things he accomplished.

Nancy from Las Vegas | 9:18 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

Never had a class from this man but he became noteworthy to me through the re-runs of his lectures on KBYU. Brother Matthews quickly became my favorite church doctrinal teacher. I admired his depth of knowledge and research on whatever gospel principal he taught. I’ve learned so much from him and I’m saddened that he’s gone. I hope that KBYU will air all of this great man’s lectures so that we may continue to benefit from his teachings. I would like to express my heartfelt sympathies to his family.

Angela | 9:22 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

I didn't know these things about Robert J. Matthews. I am totally enlightened. :D "He never wanted anything in life to be about him." I wish and would like to have this attitude. He's a great example for me.

RE : JST "inspired version | 9:33 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

I was inspired by Robert J Matthews forward of "Plain and Precious Parts." Joseph Smith's Bibical corrections."
(Genesis 50:33 JST)..."And his name shall be called Joseph,and it shall be after the name of his father;and he shall be like unto;for the thing which the Lord shall brig by his hand shall bring my people unto salvation."

Fred | 9:46 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

The work he did stands on its own, and we're the benefactors of it. The real significance of Bro. Matthew's life comes in the way he impacted individuals - many of you have posted your own experiences, thank you for sharing - and in his family. I'm privileged to know a few of those people and can attest that the faith he preached and lived extends to his posterity. My heart goes out to all of you.

Joseph Smith Translation | 10:19 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

Dr. Matthews work on the "Plain and Precious Parts"
was a great aid in understanding "A Marvelous Work and Wonder"Prophecy of the BoM.
(Isa 29:14 JST)"but the book shall be delivered unto a man."Verse 16..."by the power of Christ."
Verse 17...'three witnesses shall behold the power of God,Verse 25"..."I am the same yesterday,today and forever."

Hugh | 10:23 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

I learned to love Bob Matthews over 40 years ago when he was at the Institute at UCLA. As others have commented, he exhibited a unique blend of rigorous scholarship and tender concern for each student. But my favorite memories are of the wide-ranging doctrinal discussions he and Shirley hosted (with ice cream) on Sunday evenings in their home. When he was assigned to BYU, we in LA were bereft. Now we're all truly bereft. Those awaiting him on the other side must be overjoyed, though. Rest well, Bob.

Bro Matthews | 10:44 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

was clearly insightful. I always thought "In the begining was God."(John 1:1)but according to his editing,"In the beginning was the Gospel.."(John 1:1 JST)

Dave in Arizona | 10:56 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

I grew up in Independence, MO and am very grateful for what Brother Matthews and a few others did to improve relations between the (then) R.L.D.S. Church and the L.D.S. Church. President Kimball so much wanted that to happen and it happened. In the early 70's I was a young early a.m. seminary teacher in CA when I heard Robert Matthews speak about the New Testament at a C.E.S. training workshop held in the Bay Area. His humble spirit, combined with his mastery of the subject, represented a powerful combination that I never forgot. I was never in his presence personally after that day, but I never forgot what I felt that day. I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for him and the true Christian aura that oozed from his being.

Anonymous | 11:48 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

"oozed from his being"???

C'mon! You're WAY TOO OVER THE TOP! Tone it down!

Shawn Reese | 11:52 a.m. Sept. 1, 2009

I had a D & C class from Brother Matthews in the late 80's. Of all the religion teachers at BYU, he was my favorite, and seemed the most interested in my success as a person. Not only was his scholarship incredible, but it was actually matched by his warmth, genuine love of others, and true concern for their well-being which radiated naturally out to others. What a Christian giant! He was extremely humble, and non-judgemental. I will be forever grateful for having had his class. He took the time not only to teach, but also to listen, answer questions, and even take notes from his students. I'm sure I am just one of thousands, but what a difference his life made in the hearts of those who listened. This man lived the religion, truly. My challenge is to emulate his teachings. I echo all that has been said about this incredible individual. RIP, Bro. Matthews. God bless his family in their loss.

Lupita | 12:01 p.m. Sept. 1, 2009

I would be more impressed if he had focused his study on the Book of Abraham instead. No scholar can defend that "translation!" LOL

Jared Bourgeois | 12:03 p.m. Sept. 1, 2009

I had the pleasure of hearing a lecture from Bro. Matthews regarding his work on the JST. I'll never forget it. A great treasure has become accessible because of his significant efforts. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends.

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